Thursday, February 9, 2012

Blasterization Or Splinter Cannonization

Like all Dark Eldar players, I need more of these.

I'm torn as to how or if to go about obtaining my ninth Blaster. Do I order a Dark Lance for $3-6 depending on the source, or do I just suck it up and buy another squad of Kabalite Warriors, giving me all six squads I'd need to run the Venom Spam list I swore I'd never consider (and still hold fast against fielding)? The internal debate, as always, rages. On one hand, I could just go for it and scoop up the Warriors, giving me more troops and saving me money in the long run, or I could just plunk down the few dollars (plus shipping) it's cost for the Dark Lance / Shredder. I also have been kicking around the idea of dropping one of the Blasterborn units in exchange for three Trueborn with two Splinter Cannons. That would put me firmly in the "buy another squad" camp. Or else it would put me in the "try to buy just one more Kabalite Warrior from somebody" camp. It would also add some more anti-infantry firepower to my force, which may very well be needed. Finally, it would take me one step further away from a true netlist. I've been pondering enemies like Imperial Guard Blobs (three squads with a Commissar and four Power Weapons formed into a single unit) and swarm Orks / Tyranids. Perhaps yet more bullets would work better than just covering the field with anti-armor. I think 23 Strength 8 Lance shots will work over most armored enemies...

Feel free to ignore the rest of this post, unless you're interested in yet another potential list.

Yet a more well rounded force? I like the idea of the Trueborn on the Venom cranking out (together with their ride) anywhere from 12-26 shots per turn depending on how fast they move and how close they are to their target. I do lose the Shardnet & Impaler on the Wych squads, which were there to heplp minimize damage taken from enemy close combat specialists (it's really funny taking a Dreadnought down to one attack) so they'll be more cautious about going after Power Weapon armed units as they'll take away the squad's Feel No Pain. That'll take them from shrugging off 75% of the wounds inflicted on them to only 50%. That's a pretty substantial loss. Hopefully Combat Drugs will help take care of that (as long as I don't roll a less than stellar "1" on the table).

UPDATE: I went ahead and ordered one more Warrior from the Bitz Barn. He was only $6 delivered, so I figured why not just finish off the squad? Looks like the above list is where I'm headed. I like that it's re-tweaked from a netlist, and seems like it'll play better on the table. I only lose one Blaster as compared to the previous list, and I'm now able to lay down a lot more fire. All good as far as I can see.